wfn.org | ABCUSA: National Ministries to Expand Work in Discipleship

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 6/12/03)--Responding to the
recommendations of the ABC Discipleship Task Force and contingent upon the
General Board's affirmative vote during its June meetings in Richmond, Va.,
National Ministries will be expanding its work in discipleship. 

To prepare for what may become programmatic realities as soon as this
summer, National Ministries will initiate a personnel search for leadership
of a new Discipleship and Education ministry center.

The formation of such a center affirms National Ministries' commitment to
these ministries, according to Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, National
Ministries' executive director. "We have attempted to follow very closely
the spirit and hopes of the task force in our decision-making," said
Wright-Riggins, "and have appreciated very much the prayers and support of
many American Baptists during these days. We are especially grateful to Art
Munson and the staff of Educational Ministries for their ongoing sense of
mission yet to be done."

The ABC Discipleship Task Force, formed to propose the future placement of
ministries and education within American Baptist Churches USA, focused its
work on a plan to "dissolve the corporate structure of Educational
Ministries and explore with National Ministries bringing into their
structure the programmatic functions and publishing functions outlined in
EM's Strategic Ministries Plan."

Among the areas the task force had asked National Ministries to consider
were the creation of a highly visible image of disciple-making; what the
future would be for age-group ministries, conferences, scholarships and
relationships with colleges, seminaries and campus ministries; and what
staffing changes would be necessary.  

K/2003ABNS/03ABN82

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org